New York States Largest Grocery Workers Union Endorses Rory Lanceman for New York City City Council

WESTBURY, NY (01/10/2013)(readMedia)-- The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500, New York State's largest grocery workers union with over 23,000 members, today announced its endorsement of Rory Lanceman for New York City Councilmember from the 24th District in Queens.

"As an Assemblyman Rory Lanceman has distinguished himself as a vocal and aggressive advocate for the working families that reside in New York City. Rory has unwavering progressive principles and stands with working families every time he is called upon to do so." said UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. "UFCW Local 1500 is excited to support his 2013 campaign to bring strong working class values to New Yorkers residing in the 24th Council District in Queens."

UFCW Local 1500 represents 23,000 grocery workers across New York State with just over 10,000 members located within the five boroughs. UFCW Local 1500 helped write and pass the NYC FRESH Initiative, a zoning and financing law aimed at bringing more Supermarkets to underserved communities. The Union also serves on the New York State Supermarket Commission. UFCW Local 1500 also has an active "Women's Network," which assesses issues particular to women like domestic violence and breast cancer awareness, and develops action programs to address them. Over half of UFCW Local 1500's members are women. UFCW Local 1500 has also been a strong opponent of Wal-Mart opening in New York City and supports irresponsible employers being held accountable when New Yorkers are negatively affected by their policies.

"Many elected officials talk the talk but few walk the walk as consistently as Rory Lanceman," said Patrick Purcell, Assistant to President of UFCW Local 1500. "Whether its demanding Wal-Mart be held accountable for it's unethical business practices or supporting the expansion of supermarkets into underserved communities and creating good food, good jobs and good health for New Yorkers, Rory Lanceman does not just support good policy, he works to create coalitions and build consensus necessary see these policies succeed. The New York City Council needs leaders like Rory Lanceman" Purcell concluded.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, based out of Westbury, NY represents grocery workers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. Members of Local 1500 are employed by Pathmark, King Kullen, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, Key Food. Fairway, D'agastinos and Shop Rite.